Windi's Wedding Wisdom

I had a vision of teaming up with some truly outstanding wedding professionals to stage a styled shoot at one of Ohio's newest wedding venues, Blystone Farms. I first met Tyler Toles, Blystone's Chef and lead Event coordinator, last summer at a local networking event. We instantly bonded-- his personality and authenticity are infectious. During our tour of his beautiful venue I suggested we work together on a styled shoot. Digging deep into my resources I contacted some of my favorite vendors to come together to make this shoot a raging success. Our first contact was Ashley Graham of Oh Deer Photography-- she is an awesome lady and has a way of bringing people together. She then reached out to a group of photographers who she is mentoring and offered them an open invitation to shoot. Tyler and I both divided the responsibility of finding vendors to join us by donating their time, goods and creativity. Without the support of our community this shoot would not have been so successful. We had two couples and two different looks, one a traditional winter look-- the other a Boho Chic look that was published in Columbus Monthly Magazine. We want to thank all of the vendors that provided services for this shoot!

When should we acquire our marriage license?We suggest 2-3 weeks before your wedding date. No appointment is necessary.

What do we need to bring to the Probate Court to obtain our marriage license?Driver’s License or State IDPassportBirth CertificateSocial Security card or know your Social Security numberCertified copy of the most recent divorce/annulment/dissolution decree, if applicable

Marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. There is no waiting period in OhioYou are not required to have a blood testThere is no premarital counseling requiredBoth applicants must be present

Where do we go to get our marriage license?It depends on the county in which you reside--for Franklin county residents, you simply go to the marriage license department located 373 South High Street, 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Their hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; closed on holidays. For couples in surrounding counties, you will need to acquire your marriage license from your local probate court. Out-of-state residents, you will need to obtain your marriage license from the county in which your ceremony will be performed. We are happy to help guide you through this process, simply email runtoanelopement@gmail.com . To obtain the address and/or phone number for your county please visit http://probate.franklincountyohio.gov/about/related-links.cfm

What is the fee for a marriage license?It varies from county to county. Franklin county is only $65.

Who may perform a marriage ceremony? Of course we would be honored to serve you-- however we understand that we couldn’t possibly serve every couple in Ohio. Any licensed and ordained minister/officiant registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, Judge, or Mayor is legally able to perform your ceremony.Unsure if your officiant/minister is licensed by our state?Check out https://www.sos.state.oh.us/records/minister-licenses/ to verify their license.

Special thanks to Billy and Tony for trusting that we would provide them with the most magical ceremony ever. Of course we are gushing with gratitude towards Tony and Sarah of Mak Rabbitt-- these two are simply the best.

How do I change my name?There are no federal or state legal requirements that force a newlywed to assume their spouse's name after the marriage ceremony. However, many couples choose to assume their partner's name or to combine their last names after exchanging marriage vows. In order to change your last name, you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the clerk's office in the county where you were married.

Preparing to Change Your NameMost organizations and governmental agencies will require a notarized copy of your marriage certificate, it is best to obtain two or more official copies for your records. If you do not automatically receive copies of your notarized marriage license in the mail shortly after the wedding, you may wish to call the clerk's office where your marriage license was filed and request that copies of this license be sent to you expeditiously so that you can begin the process of legally taking your spouse's name.

It is best to wait until after your honeymoon to legally update your name because many travel documents, including your passport, and any plane tickets purchased prior to your wedding, will be in your single or maiden name. You do not want the wedding to go well and then be barred from entering the country where you have planned the honeymoon of your dreams! Changing your legal name on your passport usually takes up to six weeks after you send the appropriate documentation into the passport agency, including a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

Whom to Contact – Government AgenciesThe first agency to file a change of name application is the United States Social Security Administration. I recommend that you file this form promptly after your honeymoon, so that your records reflect your married name and/or status for the current tax year. Rest assured that your Social Security number will not change, only the name on your card. You should receive your new social security card within two weeks if you mail in the aforementioned form.

Even if you do not take your spouse's name, it is advisable to file with the Social Security Administration anyway in order to indicate a change in marital status. A visit to your local Social Security office may be all that is necessary. The agent may only look at a copy of your marriage certificate and return the original copy to you, but please be aware that the representative may keep a copy of the certificate for the agency's records.

The U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization is another governmental agency that requires you to file an updated name form rather quickly after the wedding.

Other important agencies to contact – Banks, Insurance Companies—etc.

After receiving your new social security card you may now update your name on your driver's license and on any insurance policies, including your life and accidental death insurance policies, is very important. Most of these agencies will require a copy of your official marriage certificate and a copy of your new social security card in order to update your policies.

It is also very important to quickly update your name on your bank accounts and any debit or credit cards attached to them. Most banks will require you to furnish a copy of your updated driver's license and your notarized marriage certificate when you are changing your name.

If you are taking your spouse's name after the wedding, or if you are combining your name with your spouse's last name, you will want to send a number of other organizations and agencies your new information. In addition to Social Security, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, insurance, utilities and your banks, you will also want to change your name on vehicle titles and registrations, car insurance policies, health insurance policies, forms at your doctor's office and so on.

It is not necessary to change your name on club rosters, health club memberships and other recreational and professional organizations, but you may find it to be beneficial to do so over time.

Final ChecklistRemember to change your name with your local post office, your mortgage company and the voter registration bureau in your area. You may also want to update your name on any real estate holdings you may have as well as leases, real estate loans, investment accounts and wills. It is also recommended that you change your name on previous medical records. Of course, don't forget to tell your employer to change your name for payroll purposes.

Many of my celebrants choose to write their own vows. I actually encourage it! It is a lovely way to demonstrate the love and commitment you share. The vows do not need to be lengthy; keep them short, sweet and speak from the heart. I am often asked, “How do we start?” Well, I’ve put together a quick guide that’s guaranteed to make your vow writing easy!

Don’t over think it!

Speak from the heart. You love the way he looks at you when he says I love you, mention it. She has a special way of easing your mind in crisis situations, mention it. You enjoy goofing around and being relaxed on the weekends, mention it. These vows are meant to be a reflection your relationship and what you love so much about your partner. That’s it. Please keep in mind the word vow means solemn promise so maybe consider using the words, “I promise to…”

Simple and sweet

I recommend 200 words or less. Like many of us, when we talk about the person we love, we could go on and on; this isn’t a bad thing. But for simplicity and time sake I recommend keeping your vows under 200 words. This will force you to highlight the best parts and the reason you decided to get married in the first place. Write them down. No one expects you to remember them. If a word limit isn’t your style put a time limit on it, I suggest 1-2 minutes max.

Don’t overshare

I’m sure that “one time” while on vacation stories are funny and insightful but do you really need to rehash it on your wedding day, in front of your family, standing at the altar? Probably not. It’s important to remember those funny little moments during the writing process, but your Aunt Sue doesn’t need to know about “that one time at band camp.” Feel free to share a quote or a song lyric that speaks from the heart or has meaning to you both.

Practice makes perfect

Anytime you are doing public speaking it is important to read aloud the content you are sharing at least three times. This will help you to keep the sincere sound you desire and also keep you from stumbling over your words. Sometimes when we read words aloud we bring awareness to potential need for edits that make the content flow more fluently. Remember to pause, look up and breathe. In the moment you will be nervous but if you have practiced in the mirror a few times it will help you to focus on the words and your spouse.

In closing, theknot.com has provided an excellent list of questions to consider when you are starting this process. I have listed them here for your convenience:

Run to an Elopement Honored For Excellence With 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award®

Columbus, Ohio – January 18, 2017 – WeddingWire, the leading global online marketplace for the wedding and event industry, announced Run to an Elopement as a winner of the esteemed 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® for Wedding Officiants in Columbus!

The Couples’ Choice Awards recognize the top five percent of wedding professionals on WeddingWire who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism. The prestigious awards are given to the top local wedding professionals across more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.

The WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Run to an Elopement. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.

“The Couples’ Choice Awards’ ninth year features one of the most impressive groups of dedicated and acclaimed wedding professionals yet,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “It is our honor to work with high-caliber merchants, such as Run to an Elopement who not only make a couple's big day possible, but also contribute to the more than 2.5 million U.S. reviews represented on WeddingWire. We congratulate all of this year's winners on their achievements.”

As a Couples’ Choice Awards® winner, Run to an Elopement is highlighted on WeddingWire, which is comprised of more than 200,000 wedding professionals in the U.S.

Run to an Elopement is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding Officiants in Columbus on WeddingWire. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We truly value all of our clients and appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn a 2017 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award.

For more information about Run to an Elopement please visit our website today at www.runtoanelopement.com

To learn more about the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®, please visit www.weddingwire.com/couples-choice-awards.

About WeddingWire, Inc. WeddingWire, Inc. is the leading global online marketplace connecting consumers with event and creative professionals. Operating within a $200 billion industry, WeddingWire, Inc. hosts 10 million monthly unique users across its mobile and web platforms. Consumers around the world are able to read over 3 million vendor reviews and search, compare and book from a database of over 400,000 businesses globally. It provides these businesses the technology they need to serve their clients through advertising, marketing and business management tools such as websites, payment processing, invoicing and contracts. Founded in 2007, the WeddingWire portfolio of sites serves couples and businesses across 15 countries in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, making it the worldwide leader in weddings with brands including Bodas.net, Casamentos.com.br, Matrimonio.com and more. The company employs more than 800 and maintains global headquarters in Washington, DC and international headquarters in Barcelona, Spain.

Hello! Welcome to Run to an Elopement’s newest addition—the blog. This first topic is very near and dear to me, as a child of persons who identify with the LGBTQ community; I believe it is super-duper important that everyone understands how I feel about performing LGBTQ weddings or as I like to call them weddings. I’m not a huge fan of dividing people by using unnecessary words.

For the last year I have been hesitant to address this topic. The list of reasons are long and plentiful like many of my LGBTQ counterparts, but the bottom line is that we are all HUMANS. Like many supporters of the LGBTQ community I feared backlash from outside, closed minded individuals. During one of my meditation sessions it came to me that I need to address the pink er….rainbow elephant in the room and be LOUD AND PROUD.

I want you to know:1. I am an ally and I support the LGBTQ community;2. Equality for all is a credence that I carry daily;3. Same-sex couples are just couples to me; I respect the desire to have that “perfect fairy tale moment” in their lives.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.Love knows no boundaries. My mission is to ensure all of “my” celebrants feel comfortable and carefree on their wedding day. I have married several same-sex couples and I always find a sense of relief in their voices when they announce during our first telephone call that they are a “gay” couple to which I immediately respond, “PERFECT!” In that moment, the whole tone of the conversation shifts to one of relief. I immediately wonder, “Has this poor couple been discriminated against?” “Rejected by their peers?” “Told NO!?” It is alarming to me that in 2017 people are still not being accepted for who they are. Here at Run to an Elopement you will never feel like you “don’t belong.” There will never be a reason for you to remain silent. I want you to be LOUD and PROUD and would love to help you celebrate and honor the loving committed couple that you are.